Operationalizing Off-task Sociability of Asynchronous Computer Supported Collaborative Learning Communications of the IBIMA

Many previous studies have emphasized the role of the sociability of the computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL) environments on learning achievements. Also, recent studies have reported that other than on-task interaction, students have considerable off-task interactions in CSCL environments. Yet, more studies are needed to clarify the off-task aspect of social interactions in CSCL and sociability of the environment. This paper attempts to investigate and operationalize sociability of CSCL environments from off-task point of view in order to further clarify this aspect of CSCL. It first reviews previous sociability questionnaires and instruments and then proposes a list of measure to represent and operationalize off-task sociability of CSCL. The proposed list of measures is then validated through experts’ judges and finally implications are discussed.